Frankfurt Motor Show: Aston Martin reveals the Rapide at Frankfurt

Autoblog's James Baggott reports from the Frankfurt Motor Show

ASTON Martin finally took the wraps off its four-door Porsche Panamera rival, the Rapide at Frankfurt.

Thankfully the addition of rear doors hasn't ruined the traditional AM look, with the new car jaw-dropping in the metal.

The car features a 48-valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. That's enough to transport you and your three passengers to an expected top speed of more than 175mph.

Performance figures are yet to be confirmed, but expect a 0-60mph time of around 4.5 seconds.

'Like a race horse standing still, you can see its power and elegance, the shape of Rapide's rear haunches are muscular conveying the power that lies beneath while its low stance produces a powerful look,' were the words uttered by Aston Martin director of design Marek Reichman, in a way only car designers can.

Looks wise, the Rapide has stolen a march on the recently launched Panamera, but only just...